A combined portfolio of carbon management options for fossil fuel use can be implemented to manage current emission levels of greenhouse gases (GHGs) while enhancing energy security and building the technologies and knowledge base for export to other countries faced with reducing emissions. The U.S. portfolio includes

Use of fuels with reduced carbon intensity: renewables, nuclear, and natural gas.

Adoption of more efficient technologies on both the energy demand and supply sides.

Use of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology.

CCS is a viable emission management option that can account for up to 55 percent of the emissions mitigation needed to stabilize and ultimately reduce concentrations of CO2. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) launched its Carbon Storage Program in 1997. Implemented by the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) within DOE’s Office of Fossil Energy (FE), the program plays a lead role in CCS technology development and has made significant advances in the development of a broad range of effective and economically viable technologies. View the FAQ for more information about CCS.